Patient Rights and Responsibilities

We want to provide the best service and care possible. Please let us know if you have a complaint, a compliment or a question about your care. Please feel free to contact your caregiver, the director of your unit or a representative of customer service.

Emily Alden
Patient Advocate
(309) 836-1724

Customer Service may be reached at (309) 836-1724 or by requesting assistance from any employee.

You have the right to file a formal grievance. This grievance process is designed to address your patient rights and unresolved complaints. A representative will assist you, if necessary, in filing a grievance. To file a complaint with an external agency you may reach the state agency directly by phone or by mail at Illinois Department of Public Health, 535 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761 – Main Reception Phone (217) 782-4977, Hotline (800) 252-4343 or TTY (800) 547-0466. In addition, The Joint Commission addresses all complaints that relate to quality-of-care issues within the scope of their standards. They may be contacted by mail at The Office of Quality and Patient Safety (OQPS), The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, by fax at (630) 792-5636, or online at www.JointCommission.org using the “Report a Patient Safety Event” link in the Action Center on the website’s home page.

Summary Notice of Privacy Practices:

Notice from McDonough District Hospital on Privacy Practices (.pdf)

Patients have the Right to:

Access to care regardless of race, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, personal or cultural beliefs, language, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression, or socioeconomic status.
Respect, dignity and considerate care.
Every consideration of privacy and confidentiality during medical treatment or other rendering of care, and to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care will be treated as confidential.
Receive care in a safe setting, free from abuse or harassment, including abuse or harassment based on gender identity or gender expression.
Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service.
Expect that a support person or representative and physician will be notified promptly of the patient’s admission to the hospital, unless the patient requests this not be done.
Obtain from physicians and other direct caregivers relevant, current, and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Be informed of his/her rights in writing.
The patient has the right to unrestricted access to communications, visitors, mail, and telephone calls unless clinically contraindicated. Any restrictions are explained fully to the patient. This may include situations when visitation would interfere with the care of the patient and/or the care of other patients. Examples include but are not limited to:
- When the patient is undergoing care interventions.
- When there may be infection control issues.
- When the patient needs rest or privacy.
- When the patient or visitor is disruptive, threatening, or violent.
- When there is a known valid court order restricting contact.
- When the hospital has initiated a security lock down.
- When a patient is being held in custody by law enforcement.

The patient/patient’s representative has the right to receive or refuse the visitors whom he/she designates, including but not limited to: a spouse, a domestic partner (including a same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend. Personnel may not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Personnel must ensure that all visitors enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with the patient’s preferences.

In the event that a patient is incapacitated, the patient’s representative will decide who may or may not visit the patient.

Consent and participate in decision making and ethical issues involving his/her care and to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
Have an advance directive (Living Will/Power of Attorney for Healthcare) and to expect the hospital will honor the intent of that directive to the extent permitted by law and the hospital policy.
Have issues related to care at the end of life addressed with sensitivity.
Reasonable access to his/her medical records.
A complete explanation and information concerning the need for risks, benefits, and alternatives to a transfer to another facility.
Information about the hospital’s affiliations, business relationships, rules and regulations.
Consent or refuse to participate in research or experimental treatment and to have his/her rights protected during research, investigation, and clinical trial involving human subjects.
Expect continuity of care and to be informed of realistic options when hospital care is no longer appropriate.
Appropriate assessment and management of pain.
Access pastoral care and spiritual services.
Be free from restraints or seclusion imposed as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.
To refuse to be examined, observed, or treated by medical students, residents, or any other facility staff when the primary purpose is educational or informational rather than therapeutic, without jeopardizing the patient’s access to medical care.
Access the internal complaint/grievance process and also to appeal to an external agency without fear of retaliation.
An itemized statement of charges upon request.
Notification of available payment methods and financial assistance.

Patient Responsibilities:

To ask questions about anything he/she does not understand.
To provide full and accurate information.
Respect and consideration for others in the hospital and follow the rules of the hospital.
Accept consequences of refusing treatment.
To follow the instructions of hospital staff concerning care and treatment.
To report any changes in health status.
To assure financial obligations.